GROBLERSDAL
The Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) has reaffirmed its commitment to financial sustainability and accelerated service delivery, following the municipality’s Annual Mayoral Performance Lekgotla, held at SDM offices in Groblersdal on Thursday 20 August 2026.
The Lekgotla, which reflected on the previous financial year, took stock of progress made in project implementation, service delivery and revenue collection across the district municipality.
According to the municipality, the Lekgotla noted encouraging progress in revenue collection and the implementation of key municipal programmes. However, it emphasized that further work is required to strengthen revenue management, improve billing systems and ensure that the municipality remains financially viable and sustainable.
Acting SDM Executive Mayor, Cllr. Kukie Sefala-Makgolane, commended the administration for progress made, stressing that revenue collection is critical to service delivery.
“We have been able to record an annual collection rate of 72.5 percent on service charges. This demonstrates huge progress, but we acknowledge that there is still room for improvement. Financial viability and sustainability remain critical if our municipality is to continue delivering essential services to our communities,” said Sefala Makgolane.
She added that the municipality must intensify efforts to improve revenue management, strengthen the billing system, address revenue leakages and develop effective measures to recover outstanding debt.
“We must continue to improve revenue management, improve our billing systems, address leakages and deal with outstanding debt. At the same time, our revenue services must remain sensitive to the socio-economic realities confronting our communities,” she said.
A key resolution of the Lekgotla is the continued improvement of revenue collection through the introduction and expansion of smart metering across local municipalities within the district.
The rollout will include areas such as Masakaneng Section in Groblersdal, where the Lekgotla noted potential challenges, including possible damage to municipal infrastructure.
To mitigate this, a strategic follow-up meeting will be convened with the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) to address these challenges and facilitate the effective rollout of the smart metering project.
The Lekgotla further noted progress on the municipality’s Bulk Buying By-law, which is targeted for implementation during the 2026/2027 financial year.
The Lekgotla also considered challenges affecting the Moutse Bulk Water Reticulation Project, stating that delays and implementation challenges continue to frustrate the rollout of essential water services to communities.
The meeting resolved that political intervention should be pursued under the leadership of Executive Mayor Cllr Minah Bahula to help unlock these challenges.
The Lekgotla commended the administration, led by Municipal Manager Mr Meshack Kgwale, for progress made in meeting key service delivery targets and implementing programmes that continue to contribute towards improving the livelihoods of communities.